Dispensing closures



Dec. 17, 1968 E. D. SHASTAL DISPENSING CLOSURES Filed Jan. 26, 1966 N VENTOR 6zgezze.D.-5lmsial 5, {Tax clay United States Patent f 3,416,712 DISPENSING (ILQSURES Eugene D. Shastal, Rte. 1, Box 125, Lake Villa, llll. 60046 Filed Jan. 26, 1966, Ser. No. 537,582 filaims. (Cl. 222541) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE One piece dispensing closures in which a swingable member adapted to obturate the pouring opening of a receptacle for fluent material is molded integrally with the means defining the pouring opening. A rupturable membrane is interposed around a major portion of the boundary zone between the obturating member and the opening-defining means, the remainder of the boundary zone being a hinge for the member. Upon initial use of the closure the hinged member is forcibly swung to rupture the membrane, Whereafter the member may be actuated between open and closed positions. A groove is formed on the interior of the opening-defining means to receive said major portion of the boundary zone when the obturating member is in closed position.

This invention relates to closures for use with receptacles from which fluent material is to be dispensed, and which are characterized by a movable part adapted to be moved between open and closed positions to permit flow of the material or to terminate flow, respectively.

Closures of the general class aforesaid are well known. Many of these comprise two or more parts, at least one of which is termed a fixed part and is secured to, or forms an integral part of the receptacle, and at least one other of which is movable relative to the fixed part to open and close a flow passage. Since the separate parts must be molded to precise dimensions to insure smooth operation and a fluid-tight fit somewhat expensive molds are required. Moreover, automatic machinery of complicated character is required to assemble the parts on a production line basis. Accordingly, for many applications of such closures, the price may be prohibitive.

My invention relates to a dispensing closure which is molded in one piece and, therefore, does not require assembling equipment. Moreover, it is characterized in that the contents of the receptacle, pending opening thereof by the ultimate user, are sealed thereby simplifying problems of shipment and storage but, when in the hands of the user, the seal may be readily broken.

The invention closure lends itself admirably to molding from a resilient, but generally shape-retaining plastic composition, such as polyethylene, the inherent resiliency of this material allowing for snap-type engagement of the movable closure portion with the fixed portion thereof. Moreover, use of this material enables the closure to be provided with a skirt-like base for snap-type engagement with the beaded neck of a bottle or other receptacle such as the nozzle of a tin container, or with a plug portion on the base to engage a hole punched in a wall of a tin container.

Another object is to provide a one-piece dispensing closure capable of repeated opening and closing with imperceptible wear thereby assuring reliable sealing of the contents over an extended period.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which, taken with the accompanying drawing, discloses certain forms 3,416,712 Patented Dec. 17, 1968 in which the principles of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In this drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred form of closure in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical medial cross section of the closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the closure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail, somewhat enlarged, of a portion of FIG. 2, as molded;

FIG. 5 is a detail smiliar to FIG. 4 but with the parts shown during use;

FIG. 6 shows a modification of the closure of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates a further modification, as molded;

FIG. 8 shows the closure of FIG. 7 as it appears in use; and

FIG. 9.shows another modification.

Broadly regarded, the invention comprehends a onepiece dispensing closure comprising a plastic composition which is resilient but of generally shape-retaining character and which has its members so arranged as to enable the same to be injection-molded without resorting to the complications and expense of movable cores. The closure comprises a generally cylindrical shell-like body portion provided interiorly with an annular flange near its upper end upon which a hinged member or stopper is adapted to seat when the device is in its closed condition. This member is molded in one piece with the body, being initially attached thereto by a rupturable, narrow membrane over most of its circumference, the remainder whereof is constituted as a hinge joining the member to the body. A lower portion of the device is constructed for attachment to the receptacle, e.g. with a groove for a snap fit over a head on the neck of a bottle, with threads for screw-type engagement or other means of attachment. It is within contemplation to mold the device integral with the receptacle, e.g. a squeeze-type bottle and, in fact, the device is admirably adapted to this end. The stopper is provided with a handle so that the same may be swung outwardly for initial rupture of the membrane and for subsequent manipulation of the stopper between open and closed positions. In order that reliable sealing may be realized the stopper, at the periphery where it merges with the membrane is of a diameter larger than its seat. Thus, following rupture of the membrane the stopper may, upon movement thereof to closed position, be wedged into its seat, the resiliency of the plastic composition rendering this function possible. It must be noted that the vestigial deckled edge which may result from rupture will be flaccid, due to the thinness of the membrane and thus will not interfere to any appreciable extent with reliable engagement of the stopper with its seat.

Adverting to the drawing there is shwn, by way of example (FIG. 1) a closure device comprising a body 10 of generally cylindrical shell-like form, shown exteriorly tapered for esthetic considerations and, in the example, formed as an integral portion of a receptacle 11. Since a resilient, generally shape-retaining plastic composition is preferred for the invention device the same is readily adapted to molding as part of a squeeze-type polyethylene container. A stopper 13 comprises a disc 14 and a handle 15, and there is a hinge portion 16 joining the disc 14 to the interior of the body 10. This hinge may be quite narrow and flexible inasmuch as its principal function is to retain the stopper against loss and to render reclosing thereof expeditious and reliable. In the initial, i.e. molded condition of the device the disc 14 is joined to the interior wall surface of the body by a thin, narrow membrane 21 (FIG. 4) which extends peripherally of the disc from one side of the hinge 16 to the other. The thickness of the membrane 21 will be a minimum to allow effortless rupture thereof consistent with good molding practice, and will have a radial extent such that when the same is torn upon initial opening of the closure the diameter of the disc 14 will be essentially maintained. It will be understood that when the membrane is torn some minor irregularities in the nature of a deckled edge may be expected to remain but, as will become clear from what follows reliable sealing may be expected. With these factors in view it will be understood that the degree of sealing will be sufiicient to retain most liquids and virtually all pulverulent substances. Larger articles, such as encapsulated medicines, tablets etc. will present no problem.

Positioned in proximity to the disc 14 on the interior wall of the body is a seat 23, in the example comprising a lateral wall 24 and a shoulder 25 extending from one side of the hinge 16 to the other. If desired, the wall 24 may be inclined slightly in an upward and inward direction to assist in maintaining the seated condition of the stopper.

From the foregoing it will have become apparent that for initial opening of the stopper the handle is forced toward the right, as indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 2, and that this operation will rupture the membrane 21. Accordingly the contents of the receptacle 10 may be dispensed. To terminate dispensing and to re-seal the contents the stopper is swung in the reverse direction to cause the same to assume the closed condition of FIG. 5. It will be noted that the radial extent of the membrane 21 in its relation to the lateral wall 24 will be such that the membrane will be curled, as shown, thus providing a snug fit within the seat 23 notwithstanding any minor irregularities due to tearing of the membrane. Moreover, the disc is desirably thinner at its margin than its central region to provide greater flexibility at the place of sealing.

In order to facilitate re-entry of the disc 14 into seated position a relief 26, e.g. frusto-conical may be provided at the open, upper end of the body 10. If it is desired to maintain the stopper open independently of digital force a pair of nubs 27-27 (FIG. 3) may be provided on the interior wall of the body 10 adjacent the upper end thereof. Due to the resilient nature of the device the disc 14 may, upon being swung to open position, be easily forced past the nubs 27-27 which thereafter function to retain the stopper in open position.

Another means for retaining the stopper open is shown in FIG. 6 wherein a notch 31 is provided in the body 10 of such width that the handle 15 may be seized therein, as indicated by the broken-line showing. In this figure the body 10a is provided with an interior groove 32 adapted to engage frictionally over the beaded end 33 of the neck of a bottle 34. It will be obvious that the lower portion of the body may be provided with screw threads or a bayonet feature for engagement with corresponding portions of the receptacle, all as is well known.

The modification of FIGS. 7 and 8 comprises a body A 10b similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and a stopper 13b. This latter is molded integrally with the body 10b (FIG. 7), there being a peripheral portion 16b to serve as a hinge and a rupturable membrane 21b extending over the remainder of said periphery. Moreover there is formed, on the lower side of the disc 14b an arcuate rib 41, which is continuous substantially from one side of the hinge 16b to the other. The interior wall surface 42 of the body 10b above the disc 14b is inclined upwardly and inwardly, as shown. Thus, following rupture of the membrane 21b and initial opening of the device, reclosing action will cause the rib 41 to be cammed outwardly by contact with the sloping wall surface 42 to the position of FIG. 8, thus sealing the periphery of the disc 14. It will be seen that the juncture of the wall surface 42 with the membrane 21b is so arranged that, following rupture of the 4 latter, a shoulder 45 is defined and that the deformed rib 41 may wedge itself, so to speak, against the shoulder (FIG. 8).

FIG. 9 illustrates a further embodiment comprising a body 10c and an integral stopper 13c hinged at 51 to the upper edge of the body analogousl to the hinging means heretofore described. A handle 52 extends from the disc 14c, and there is provided a stop 53, e.g. in the form of a button. A rupturable membrane 21c initially joins the disc 14c to the interior wall surface of the body 10c. It will be seen that the disc 140 is initially in a position inclined to the central axis of the body and therefore has a greater dimension, from left to right, than the diameter of the body measured horizontally substantially at the level of the hinge 51. Thus, following initial rupture, the closed position of the disc 14c will be as shown by the dotted line position A. Due to the greater dimension just mentioned the disc 140, when moved to position A, will stretch the wall of the body 10c thereby causing the latter to seal against the disc 14c with appreciable force. Such engagement will, of course, be accompanied by some yielding of the disc 14c. Manipulation of the disc 14c is by the handle 52. Open position is indicated by the broken lines B. However, if desired, opening of the device may be achieved by tilting the handle 52 to the right while overcoming the stop 53.

While I have shown particular embodiments of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. A one-piece dispensing closure device molded of resilient, generally shape-retaining material to be secured to a container comprising: a body substantially in the shape of a hollow cylinder including a portion for attachment to the container, the interior of the body providing fluid communication with the interior of the container, a stopper having a disc portion adapted to beswung between open and closed positions respectively permitting and interrupting flow from the container through said interior of the body, a hinge connecting said disc portion to the interior surface of said body for swinging movement, a rupturable membrane initially joining said disc portion to the interior wall surface of said body and adapted to be broken along a line of rupture, a seat on said interior surface extending peripherally thereof from substantially one side of said hinge to the other, said seat being an annular shoulder having an axially extending surface located inwardly of said line of rupture and a radially extending surface axially spaced from said disc portion prior to the rupture of said membrane and extending inwardly from the axially-extending surface to define therewith a recess, initial swinging movement imparted to said stopper rupturing said membrane to free said stopper for subsequent opening and closing movement, and the periphery of said disc portion, in the closed position, entering said recess and abutting the surfaces thereof.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further characterized by the provision of means on the exterior of said disc portion to manipulate the stopper.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein the disc is of greater thickness in the region of its center than at its peripheral area to provide greater fiexure at the periphery.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further characterized by the provision on the interior surface of the body and outwardly of the disc portion, of a detent adapted to engage said disc portion in its open position to retain the same in such position.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further characterized by the provision on the interior surface of the body of a space between said axially-extending sur- 5 6 face of said recess and said disc portion prior to rupture 3,227,330 1/1966 Sadler 222541 X of said membrane. 3,300,106 1/1967 Chmela 222-517 References Cited ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 F. R. HANDREN, Assistant Examiner.

2,157,646 5/1939 Barker 222541 X 2,821,319 1/1958 Bladh. CL

3,207,375 9/1965 Bereziat et a1. 222541 X 222 556 

